Robots, disinfection booths installed in Hong Kong airport

The Hong Kong Airport Authority (HKAA) is applying the latest disinfection technologies, including disinfection channels, antimicrobial coating and autonomous cleaning robots, at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to protect passengers and airport staff from COVID-19 infection.

In a live trial operation, Hong Kong is the first airport in the world to use ‘CLeanTech’, a full-body disinfection channel facility. Before entering the box-like channel, users will have their temperatures checked. Thereafter, they enter and remain in the channel for 40 seconds while disinfection and sanitising procedures take place.

Image: Hong Kong International AirportThe interior surfaces of the channel are equipped with an antimicrobial coating, which can remotely kill viruses and bacteria on human bodies or clothing by using photocatalytic and nano technologies with the use of ‘nano needles’. The channel is kept under negative pressure to prevent cross-contamination between the outside and inside environment. Sanitising spray is also applied for instant disinfection.

Image: Hong Kong International Airport

HKAA is also conducting a pilot test of applying antimicrobial coating at all passenger facilities and high-touch surfaces, including check-in kiosks, baggage trolleys and toilets. When the trial ends in May, the HKAA will consider implementing this sanitising technology as a long-term disinfection measure.

Image: Hong Kong International Airport

Autonomous cleaning robots have also been deployed to ensure thorough disinfection of public areas and passenger facilities. An Intelligent Sterilization Robot, equipped with an ultraviolet light steriliser and air steriliser, is deployed around the clock in public toilets and key operating areas in the terminal building.

The robot can move around autonomously and sterilise up to 99.99% of bacteria in its vicinity, including both the air and object surfaces, in just 10 minutes.

Image: Hong Kong International Airport

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